Special train cleanliness drive till Oct 2

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Rail travellers complaining about hygiene can expect some improvement soon. The trains might be cleaner than usual for at least a fortnight from September 16, thanks to a special cleanliness drive to be undertaken till October 2.

Chennai:

Railway Board (RB) has instructed all zonal managers to observe Swachhta Pakhwada (cleanliness campaign) during the said period. The board has given a list of parameters to be followed during the campaign to better train hygiene. The focus of the special drive would be on mechanised cleaning of coaches at washing lines/terminals, cleaning of depot premises including washing lines, pest and rodent control, maintenance of bio-toilets, cleaning of platform return trains and en route cleaning at nominated train cleaning stations. Going by an order circulated to all GMs on September 6 by Shivendran Mohan, executive director, environment and housekeeping management wing of Railway Board, emphasis would be on one of the most dreaded issues during train journey – stinking toilets.

“Particular attention is required on coach toilets and issues linked with foul smell,” read the order, copy of which is available with DT Next. The check list issued by the Railway Board has also insisted on the zones ensuring training to onboard housekeeping staff (OBHS) for emergency attention to bio-toilets on trains. The zones have also been advised to analyse “Coach Mitra” data to improve cleanliness related onboard service, response time and passenger satisfaction. The board seems to have heeded a perennial complaint of travellers, train taps running dry during the journey. Zonal general managers, who have been asked to discuss and monitor action taken and activities of division through video conferencing, were instructed to have availability of water in trains and watering points, proper upkeep and functioning of all coach watering points and effecting utilisation of quick watering systems high on their agenda.